Europe News

European Tour Welcomes Hilton as Worldwide Hotel Supplier

LONDON - The European Tour and Hilton Worldwide today announced that the world's largest hospitality company is to become the sporting body's official worldwide hotel supplier.

Building on Hilton's rich history of sporting association and diverse locations across 93 countries, the deal welcomes Hilton into the stable of European Tour global partners for three years, beginning in 2015. The initial arrangement will see Hilton host Tour staff in its many properties that have proximity to events taking place across the world, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

George O'Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: "Some 41 countries across the globe have staged European Tour events since we began in 1972. It has become a truly worldwide schedule of elite golf. It is hugely exciting to now commence a new relationship with a hotel supplier of the scale and prestige of Hilton. Its global network closely matches the footprint of The European Tour and we look forward to championing the impact and reach of golf together around the world."

The agreement will see Hilton advertising on The European Tour's various channels, including europeantour.com, promoting the various hotel and golfing experiences on offer across the world. Hilton will also have access to various hospitality packages and appearances from player ambassadors.

Aligi Gardenghi, Vice President Marketing, Europe, Middle East & Africa for Hilton Worldwide, commented: "We have long championed golf as a sport, both through the excellent facilities available at our properties across the globe and via individual partnerships with industry professionals. The partnership with The European Tour is part of a commitment to enhance our customer experiences, in this instance with those who share our passion for golf."

Hilton's association with golf also extends to its Travel with Purpose corporate responsibility strategy, with the US based Hilton HHonors Charitable Golf Series in its eighth year, raising $1.53m for charities across the U.S.A. The company's wider sporting connections include being the exclusive hotel partner of McLaren, based in the UK, plus the U.S. Olympic Committee, Canadian Olympic Committee and Chinese Olympic Committee.

About The European TourThe European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tour's innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future. The European Tour International Schedule, which from 2009 has incorporated The Race to Dubai, is a thriving global brand which, in 2015 will feature a minimum of 47 tournaments spread across all five continents of the world; the European Challenge Tour focuses on the up and coming players of the future; while the European Senior Tour provides a new start for champions celebrating their 50th birthday. The European Tour's corporate identity features the iconic silhouette image of six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who gives his name to The Harry Vardon Trophy, presented to the player who is crowned European Tour Number One and winner of The Race to Dubai at the end of the season.

About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, with a portfolio of 14 world-class brands comprising more than 5,200 properties with more than 856,000 rooms, in 105 countries and territories. Hilton is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world’s most hospitable company by delivering exceptional experiences – every hotel, every guest, every time. The company's portfolio includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose exactly how many Points to combine with money, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, and free standard Wi-Fi. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.